A tantalising journey of greens, waves and culinary delights awaits you along the world-famous Great Ocean Road
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the fairways, when it comes to being wowed by spectacular golf, breathtaking scenery and a touch of luxury, few destinations can rival the total package that is Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. This iconic stretch of coastal beauty offers a golf road trip like no other, with each course a testament to both golfers’ ambition and appreciation for the natural wonders that surround them.
When navigating this 243-kilometre, otherworldly terrain, be sure to consider an itinerary that allows ample time to take in everything this famous region has to offer. Here’s a little guide to get you on your way.
Take off from Torquay
The golf journey begins at The Sands Torquay, a unique 18-hole links-style golf course, cleverly designed around the sand dunes of its Surf Coast setting. Designed by Australian golf legend Stuart Appleby, this course is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities, with up to five tee positions on every hole and more than 100 carefully positioned bunkers ensuring an adrenalin rush.
Just a short drive away is the RACV Torquay Resort, a layout that combines challenging holes with sweeping views of Zeally Bay. Perched within the backdrop of the Torquay and Jan Juc beaches, RACV Torquay Resort is set on an expansive golf course with spectacular ocean views and direct beach access. Offering something for all tastes, RACV Torquay Resort features a range of facilities including a family-friendly restaurant and bar, day spa and indoor pool. This picturesque resort is ideally located at 1 Great Ocean Road, Torquay, and is just a leisurely 75-minute drive from Melbourne.
Moving along the Great Ocean Road, the next must-see stop is Anglesea Golf Club, an oasis of tranquility surrounded by native flora and fauna. The Vern Morcom-designed course has 42 bunkers, three practice fairways, two practice putting greens and a six-bay driving range to hone your craft on hoilday. It also has a resident population of about 300 Eastern Grey kangaroos that have become so popular that, in 2015, exciting nature-based Kangaroo Tours started operating here using electric-powered vehicles. Today it attracts many visitors from Australia and around the world.
Of course, rest and rejuvenation are paramount after a day on the greens, and the Great Ocean Road Resort provides the perfect haven. This 4.5-star boutique property located in the heart of Anglesea is situated opposite the Anglesea River, and just a short walk to shops and cafés, Anglesea Main Beach and coastal walks. Offering modern studio and spa suites, one and two-bedroom apartments and waterfront apartments, guest suites are individually curated and designed with relaxation in mind.
Get a taste for more
A golf journey along the Great Ocean Road is incomplete without indulging in the local culinary scene. The Coast Restaurant in Anglesea is a delightful choice, offering a menu that celebrates fresh, regional produce. The restaurant’s carefully curated menu features sourced produce from the Great Ocean Road and Surf Coast regions, while its carefully selected bar menu serves a range of locally sourced wines and craft beer. For those wanting extra, you’ll also find crafted cocktails from Great Ocean Road Gin and Timboon Distillery.
For a more laid-back experience, golfers can head to Bells Beach Brewing in Torquay, where they can unwind with a craft beer while relishing the coastal atmosphere.
Venturing slightly off-course, a stop at Bells Beach also provides an opportunity to witness or even partake in the vibrant surf culture that defines this region. For those who seek an adrenaline rush or simply wish to soak in the surfing spectacle, this iconic beach is a must-visit.
Another hot tip: make sure you taste wine from where lava met the ocean centuries ago at Basalt Wines. Ideally situated on the Great Ocean Road between Port Fairy and Warrnambool, and nestled at the foot of Tower Hill Reserve, here is where rich volcanic soil imparts distinctive depth and character to some rather exceptional wines.
Wind down in Warrnambool
Australian golf star Marc Leishman honed his world-class game on the windswept fairways of Warrnambool, and you’ll have just as much fun when you continue your golf odyssey down the Great Ocean Road.
Warrnambool Golf Club beckons with its challenging layout and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. The course demands precision and rewards golfers with an unforgettable experience no matter your score.
Post-round relaxation can be found at the nearby Deep Blue Hot Springs, a perfect remedy for tired muscles. This award-winning geothermal mineral bathing sanctuary will allow you to discover the myriad of open-air rock pools, sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls while soaking in the therapeutic waters, which are naturally rich in minerals and heat. Learn more about the therapeutic ritual of bathing and discover why this ancient wellness practice has quickly become one of top things to do in Warrnambool.
Taking a break from golf, every Great Ocean Road journey leads to the awe-inspiring Twelve Apostles and the adjacent Port Campbell National Park. These iconic limestone formations – believed to be 10-20 million years old – create a visual spectacle that has captivated visitors for centuries.
But if it’s food that really gets you excited, Timboon is a must-visit haven for cheese and ice cream connoisseurs. Those with a penchant for gourmet delights will love the local offerings here, including the many artisanal cheeses and delectable ice creams that showcase the region’s rich dairy heritage.
Back on course, and the penultimate stop takes golfers to Peterborough Golf Club, where the course seamlessly blends into the coastal landscape. A round here offers a perfect synthesis of golf challenge and natural beauty. Rest awaits at nearby Anchors Port Campbell, a locally operated luxury retreat that offers a comfortable night’s sleep and some much-needed local knowledge before the final leg of the journey.
Finish with a bang
As your Great Ocean Road golf adventure draws to a dramatic close, Port Fairy Golf Links beckons with its historic charm and spectacular views. Situated at the end of the iconic Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy Golf Links offers a true natural links experience unrivalled by any on the Australian mainland. Only a five-minute drive from the award-winning Port Fairy township, the golf course is nestled among rolling, unspoilt sand dunes and boasts breathtaking views of the raging Southern Ocean – which can even come into play on occasion.
Often compared to the famed links courses of Scotland and Ireland, Port Fairy offers a unique golf challenge without the 24-hour flight.
A stay at the Old Market Inn provides a glimpse into the town’s heritage, while dining at the Merrijig Inn promises a culinary experience that pays homage to the local flavours.
To enrich the journey further, a visit to Tower Hill offers the opportunity for a First Peoples experience with Worn Gundidj. This cultural immersion allows golfers to connect with the land’s indigenous history, capping off one of the more memorable road trips on the planet.
From the challenging courses to the stunning coastal landscapes, golf along the Great Ocean Road is a multi-sensory experience that transcends the boundaries of the sport. Coupled with exquisite dining, cultural explorations and some much-needed moments of relaxation at every stop, be sure to tick this off your bucket list in 2024.
Plan your Great Ocean Road golf adventure: visitvictoria.com/golf
